It is well known Brighton and Hove City Council is anti car and would prefer everyone to walk, cycle or bus into the city centre.

But for many residents that is not practical and the growth in two and three-car families who find it impossible to get around the city and Sussex without a vehicle because buses and trains don't take them where they want to go, has contributed to the traffic congestion.

The jury is out on Ken Livingstone's charging plans for central London, which begin next month. If it is a huge success and Ken gets re-elected the chances are whoever is in control of Brighton and Hove Council after May will try to follow in his footsteps.

Paying to get into the centre of Brighton and Hove may not become the last resort Transport councillor Simon Battle and his anti-car colleagues claim it is.